MPI cuts 391 jobs
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
Police have confirmed that the tins of infant formula collected from members of the public over recent days have all tested negative for 1080.
Since news of the 1080 threat broke, supermarkets have ramped up security. The threat stemmed from anonymous letters sent to Fonterra and Federated Farmers in November saying infant formula products would be laced with 1080 pesticide at the end of March unless the Government ceased using the poison.
Consumers were also asked to report any cans that look damaged or tampered with to authorities. Police says several cans of infant formula were handed over by concerned consumers.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) deputy director-general, Scott Gallacher thanked New Zealanders for their continued vigilance in checking infant and other formula products they purchase for signs of suspected tampering.
"The parents who reported the suspected tampering are to be commended for immediately reporting this to Police," he says.
Gallacher says that MPI remain confident in the safety of New Zealand infant and other formula says that it is "just as safe today as it was before this threat was made."
However, he added, people should continue to be vigilant when buying infant and other formula by checking all product for tampering.
Information on how to check for tampering is available on MPI's leaflet at www.foodprotection.govt.nz and available in local supermarkets.
"We would like to reassure all parents and caregivers in New Zealand and overseas that everything is being done to ensure New Zealand infant formula bought from stores is safe and secure."
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.